Since the start of Taylor-Made Socials, I’ve been experimenting with what it looks like to create easygoing, inclusive social spaces for adults in Austin to meet new people without all the awkwardness that can come with traditional networking or bar-hopping with strangers. It’s not about hype or big ticket productions—it’s about showing up, being real, and creating the kind of social spaces I wished existed when I was trying to make new friends in this city.
Each event has been a learning experience, and each one has offered its own surprises, challenges, and moments of connection. Here’s a closer look at what we’ve done so far.
Pizza Party Social at Tony C’s Pizza & Beer Garden (Our First Event) – Saturday, January 25
Our very first social mixer was hosted at Tony C’s in North Austin, and I couldn’t have asked for a better kick-off. The weather cooperated, the seating setup was lively but not overwhelming, and people started showing up before the official start time — something that told me I was onto something. The crowd skewed a little larger than expected, which created this really natural buzz of conversation that carried through the event. Some folks came solo and found themselves at tables with total strangers-turned-new-acquaintances within minutes.
What made this event special wasn’t just the turnout, but the tone it set. People weren’t glued to their phones or trying to “network” — they were just there to relax, chat over pizza, and enjoy a shared experience that didn’t require dressing up or having an agenda. I left the event physically exhausted but socially energized, with a mental list of ideas to try next.
UNO & Icebreakers Mixer at The Brass Tap – Saturday, February 22
For our February gathering, I wanted to do something interactive to help ease folks into conversation — so I brought along decks of UNO cards and a stack of printed icebreaker prompts, and we took over part of The Brass Tap in the Triangle area. Despite the minor headache of limited shopping area parking, the vibe indoors was upbeat and welcoming.
What I loved about this event was how naturally people gravitated toward the games. Within a few minutes of sitting down, tables of strangers were in full-blown UNO battles, cracking jokes, and debating the icebreaker questions. It was a simple way to create shared moments and take the pressure off self-generated small talk. I learned that structured activities — even casual ones — make a huge difference in breaking down initial social walls.
Sunday Funday Social (Surprise Crawfish Boil) at Little Woodrow’s South – Sunday, March 30
This event was originally meant to be a low-key Sunday hangout — just drinks on the patio and casual conversation — but it ended up turning into something a little more unique. As it turns out, Little Woodrow’s had independently scheduled a crawfish boil that same day, and our event merged with the boil. Despite some misty, overcast weather that probably kept a few people home, those who showed up were greeted with the smell of Cajun spices and the unexpected bonus of crawfish.
We grabbed a few covered tables near the crawfish action, ordered drinks, and leaned into the impromptu Cajun vibe. What could’ve been a weather washout turned into a flavorful, messy, and memorable social event. I’m reminded that sometimes the best thing you can do as a host is just roll with it — and that spontaneity has a way of turning ordinary plans into something special.
San Jacinto Day Battle Brisket Celebration at Black’s Gold BBQ – Monday, April 21
Inspired by Texas history and a craving for good barbecue, April’s event was a tribute to San Jacinto Day—complete with smoked brisket and Lone Star pride. We gathered at Black’s Gold BBQ on a Monday evening, thinking a post-holiday-weekend hang might be a fun kickoff to the week. The brisket was undeniably the star of the evening — rich, smoky, and cut thick — but I’ll be honest: the turnout was lighter than usual.
Hosting on a Monday, even with a fun theme, didn’t quite hit the same note as our weekend events. That said, the small group that did attend had the chance to dive into some deeper conversations, and the slower pace gave everyone a seat in the group conversation. It was a good reminder that turnout isn’t the only measure of success — sometimes a smaller group leads to better connections.
Hawaiian Shirt Party at Easy Tiger LINC – Thursday, June 19
This event was a standout — visually and socially. We invited folks to throw on their boldest, brightest Hawaiian shirts and join us for a summer-themed night at Easy Tiger. Almost everyone showed up in theme, and the vibe was tropical. I brought a Dollar Tree stash of flower leis to hand out as people arrived, and they were a hit with people taking selfies, comparing colors, and cracking jokes about who looked the best in a lei.
We’d originally planned to also host a limbo contest, but the venue let us know we couldn’t proceed with it due to insurance constraints (which was fair). Even without the limbo, the evening was full of energy. The large patio gave us room to spread out and mingle, and the strong attendance made it feel like the group had finally found its rhythm. This is definitely an event theme I’d revisit — there was something about the carefree vibe on a Thursday night that brought out the best in everyone.
Summer Social at Celis Brewery – Saturday, July 19
By July, the heat was in full swing, so we opted for a shaded outdoor gathering at Celis Brewery. Their beer garden had just wrapped up an anniversary event earlier that week, which meant the setup still had tents and tunnel fans running — a lucky break for us. About a dozen people came out, which gave the event a more intimate feel.
One fun moment: the staff realized their outdoor mobile fan for our section couldn’t reach the power outlet with it’s short cord, so they ended up using my emergency extension cord to get it running. It was a small thing, but felt symbolic to how I plan events — Taylor-Made Socials always brings a backup plan. We settled into the breezeway, chatting over local craft beer as the afternoon rolled on. It was a quieter event, but no less meaningful. I think there’s real value in creating space for people to just be — no loud music, no icebreakers, just a cold drink and an open seat.
These events have been experiments in social interaction — part structure, part spontaneity, all about creating social space for in-person connection. It’s not about drawing huge crowds or curating the perfect Instagram op. It’s about making people feel just a little more connected, one gathering at a time. Whether you’ve been to one or all, thanks for being part of it — and if you haven’t joined us yet, you’re always welcome at the next one.
Here’s a short video of previously hosted social mixer events, both Taylor-Made Socials and Austin Social Scene groups:
